VCOM 2024 Annual Report

Transforming Lives in the Dominican Republic I n 2024, VCOM continued its tradition of service with three medical outreach trips to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in partnership with The Punta Cana Foundation. More than 120 students, faculty, and healthcare professionals provided care to over 1,600 patients, setting up clinics in schools and community centers and working with local physicians at partner clinics like the Oscar de la Renta Pediatric Center and the Veron Clinic. These missions emphasized cultural sensitivity and hands-on learning, as students worked alongside local preceptors and interpreters to bridge language and cultural barriers. Medicines were donated to VCOM partner clinics for patient follow-up, reinforcing the College’s commitment to sustainable, year-round care. Beyond the clinics, students gained invaluable experience managing diverse conditions in resource-limited settings while immersing themselves in local culture. Through dedication and compassion, VCOM’s outreach teams continue to make a lasting impact on both the communities they serve and their own journeys as future physicians. “On this trip, I learned so much and was able to practice medicine in a hands-on way under a faculty physician’s supervision. I left feeling much closer to my classmates. I am so thankful for the opportunities I had to grow in my medical knowledge and, more importantly, be able to help others.”

– Brianna Fernandez, VCOM-Carolinas, Class of 2027

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